German raw material consumption totaled 1,328 million tons in 2019, or 16 tons per capita. This represents only a slight change in the trend up to 2018. In 2019, raw material consumption in Germany will fall slightly. And preliminary calculations for 2020 also indicate a decline. read more
resource efficiency
Waste | Resources
Resource conservation and environmental policy
Resource use and the competition for scarce resources such as clean water, land and raw materials are on the rise worldwide, while at the same time worldwide environmental problems such as climate change, soil degradation and biodiversity loss are worsening. Hence resource stewardship and efficient resource use are one of the main challenges we face today and are a key environmental policy issue. read more
Waste | Resources
International resource policies
In recent years, public debate on natural resource conservation and the implementation of measures for increased resource efficiency has gained considerable momentum both in Europe and internationally. This dynamic has helped to shape the environmental policy debate. An UBA research project has now carried out a scientific analysis of resource policies and instruments in nine countries. read more
Waste | Resources
Rebound effects
Efficiency increase oftentimes reduces product or service costs, which can in turn ramp up consumption (due to reduced prices), thus partly canceling out the original savings. This is known as the rebound effect. read more
Waste | Resources
Ecofriendly abiotic resource extraction
Increasing amounts of abiotic resources are being extracted with each passing year. These elements are converted into or used to make raw materials, with the aim of meeting growing worldwide demand. In increasingly ecologically sensitive areas, this evolution is exacerbating worldwide environmental problems such as climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. read more
Waste | Resources
Economic impact
Greater resource efficiency is good not only for the environment, but also for the economy, in terms of lower materials costs, less dependency on raw materials imports, and lower waste management expenditures. read more
Waste | Resources
Economic and legal dimensions of resource conservation
In order to conserve resources successfully, we need laws and economic conditions that promote resource efficiency and reduce resource use. The goal is to increase economic opportunity through measures such as cost reductions. At the same time protection against increasing raw material prices and extreme price fluctuations is required. read more
Waste | Resources
Leveraging cost reduction potential through resource efficiency
Across the board resource efficiency optimization is one of the very best ways to reduce manufacturing costs and improve competitiveness in the business sector. This principle is borne out by the outcomes of a program that provides companies with advice on how to improve material efficiency. read more